Arrius 2R, Arrano, RTM322 Lead Turbomeca Charge at Heli-Expo

By Staff Writer | February 24, 2014

Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul, Offshore, Utility

During Heli-Expo, Turbomeca (Safran) is displaying its principal product lines: Arriel, Arrano, Ardiden 3 and RTM 322 at Booth 2814. The line-up is completed by the latest Arrius 2R, selected by Bell Helicopter to power its new SLS (Short Light Single) helicopter. The Arrius 2R is the latest member of a 3,000-strong engine family. This new engine version delivers performance and power within the 450-550 shp class, while improving safety and lowering pilot workload via a full authority dual-channel engine control (FADEC). The twin-module engine configuration is designed to reduce fuel consumption and lower operational costs.

The Arriel passes a major milestone at Heli-Expo: 40 million flight hours achieved with over 1,300 customers in 110 countries. The Arriel family, delivering takeoff power ranging from 700 to 950 shp, powers 40 different helicopter variants.

The Arrano is a new 1,100-shp engine designed for four to six-ton helicopters. This first variant, the Arrano 1A, will power the Airbus Helicopters X4 — a new-generation, five to six-ton helicopter. The first test run of the Arrano will take place any day now.

The Ardiden is designed to provide 1,400 to 2,000 shp, for helicopters in the five to eight-ton class. The Ardiden 1’s first application is the Hindustan Aeronautics Dhruv while the Ardiden 3 powers the Kamov Ka-62 and AVIC Avicopter AC352. The RTM322 is now 100 percent Turbomeca-owned. In the 2,100 to 2,600 shp range, it is fitted to the WAH 64 Apache, EH 101 and NH 90 helicopters. The RTM322 has staked its place in aviation history by setting a new world speed record of 255 knots in level flight, installed in the Airbus Helicopters twin-engine X3 hybrid helicopter.

Turbomeca will also demonstrate BOOST (bank of online services and technologies), its future range of advanced engine and maintenance management services.